In a tragic turn of events during a significant anti-Maoist operation in the Korgotalu hills, Rolo, a two-year-old female Belgian Shepherd with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), lost her life after being attacked by a swarm of bees. This incident, which occurred on April 27, marked a somber moment in a mission that lasted 21 days and concluded on May 11.
Rolo was a specialized service dog trained to detect explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) as part of one of the largest coordinated efforts against Maoist insurgents by the CRPF and the Chhattisgarh Police. The operation was pivotal in targeting Maoist forces, resulting in the death of 31 insurgents and injuring 18 security personnel, some with serious wounds.
The incident unfolded as Rolo and her team maneuvered through the challenging terrain of the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, an area notorious for its dense jungles and wildlife. During a search operation, the unit encountered an unexpected swarm of bees. Despite the handlers’ attempts to shield Rolo with a polythene cover, the insects managed to penetrate the protection. Overwhelmed and in distress, Rolo broke free from her handlers, exposing herself to even more stings.
After collapsing due to the overwhelming pain and confusion, Rolo was rapidly evacuated from the scene. However, despite receiving emergency medical treatment, she succumbed to her injuries while en route to a veterinary facility.
Trained at the CRPF’s canine training center in Taralu, near Bengaluru, Rolo had been deployed in Chhattisgarh since April 2024. In honor of her service, she was posthumously awarded a commendation medal by the Director General of the CRPF.
The loss of Rolo has left security officials mourning the death of what they referred to as a “four-legged soldier.” They underscored the invaluable contributions that service animals make during high-risk operations. Rolo’s tragic passing highlights the unpredictable challenges faced by both security personnel and their canine companions in the ongoing fight against insurgency.
